Sergeant Erin Marie Hehl, Illinois State Police, Illinois

Sergeant Erin Marie Hehl

Illinois State Police, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, October 30, 1997

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Erin Marie Hehl

Trooper Erin Hehl was killed when the helicopter she was in crashed during a training exercise.

Trooper Hehl was flying with a civilian pilot at suburban Frankfort Airport in the department's helicopter known as AirOne. They were practicing touch-and-go landings when one of the skids of the A-Star Eurocopter got stuck in the mud, causing the helicopter to flip over. The civilian pilot was killed as well. Trooper Hehl had 70 hours of flight experience, but it is unknown who was at the controls at the time of the crash.

Trooper Hehl had served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years. Trooper Hehl is survived by her husband, son, and stepson.

She was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

helicopter crash, training

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Most Recent Reflection

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It is February and once again I am late in wishing you a happy Heavenly Birthday. Your son his now married and starting his own family. He looks like you and has his father's sense of humor. I miss you and your Chicago accent! Your laugh was contagious and I can still hear it. Thank you for sharing your friend Jill with me, she is a very important friend in my life! Rest easy Erin, we all miss you terribly. ♡♡♡

M/Sgt Jane Tipsword Retired
Illinois State Police

February 8, 2025